#Japan #Tokyo #Certification #family photography #Lovegraph

Introduction

In a groundbreaking move, Lovegraph, a Tokyo-based photography company, has introduced a unique certification program known as the 'Developmentally Friendly Certification.' This initiative aims to support families with children who have developmental differences, enabling them to capture precious family moments without anxiety during photography sessions.

Understanding the New Certification

Parents of children who may struggle with sitting still or adapting to unfamiliar settings often find themselves anxious about photography sessions. Concerns about potential panic attacks or discomfort can lead to families forgoing professional photos altogether. With the new 'Developmentally Friendly Certification,' Lovegraph strives to eliminate these worries. The goal is to ensure that as many families as possible can preserve their joyful moments through professional photography.

To facilitate this, Lovegraph developed unique educational materials in collaboration with the non-profit organization, Manabi Palette. Photographers are required to undergo specialized training based on these materials and must pass a certification exam to earn their 'Developmentally Friendly Badge.' This badge indicates that the photographer has a deep understanding of children’s developmental differences, offering parents peace of mind during their photo sessions.

Testimonials from Families

One family, who hired an accredited photographer named Emiyu for their son's Shichi-Go-San celebration, shared their experience. The boy, who has autism and intellectual disabilities, faced challenges in traditional studio settings. However, Emiyu’s background as a special education teacher and her Developmentally Friendly Certification made a significant impact.

The family noted that Emiyu's thoughtful approach before the shoot helped their son feel at ease. On the day of shooting, despite a few moments of distress, Emiyu handled the situation with grace, providing comfort and maintaining a cheerful atmosphere. The resulting photos beautifully captured candid moments of the child’s personality, making them cherished memories for the family. They expressed deep gratitude for Emiyu's assistance, confirming that it was the right decision to work with her.

Insights from Educators

Shinobu Koizumi, a representative of Manabi Palette, emphasized the importance of recording such moments for children with developmental differences. According to him, allowing these children to express themselves in a secure environment is crucial, and these photographs serve as lasting tokens of love that they can cherish in the future. His vision aligns with creating a space where educators and non-educators collaborate to shape a brighter future for children.

Growing Support for Photographers

Since the launch of this certification, Lovegraph has successfully trained over 200 photographers. The company continues to host seminars to spread awareness and training for family photography tailored to children with unique needs. Their mission is to provide services that cater to families across Japan, ensuring that no parent needs to feel apprehensive about hiring professional photographers for their beloved moments.

Conclusion

Lovegraph, established in February 2015, is dedicated to connecting photographers with clients wishing to capture special moments, providing services across Japan. They have conducted over 160,000 photography sessions, covering various events like birthdays and ceremonies. Additionally, the Lovegraph Academy supports photography enthusiasts and aspiring professionals with courses tailored for all levels. For more information, visit their corporate website or Instagram page.